December 9th, 2008 pm

It is 8:06 pm. I have talked to Mary a few times today, and it seems like she has had another one of her good days. Working hard, getting a little rest, and coming back and working hard again. She knows her count down is on, and as is working so very hard while she is still there. Today, Mary said the occupational therapist (OT) worked with her on getting to the bathroom with just a cane. All this time she has had to be assisted in the wheelchair, taken into the bathroom, assisted out of the chair, and so forth. Today, she did it by herself, on foot! Awesome! She also sent me a text this afternoon saying she gets to go on another outing tomorrow. It happens to be at one of Mary's favorite places. The Mall! She gets to go with a small group to the Galleria Mall for another shopping trip. This is worked in with physical therapy (PT), so she will be walking, reaching for things on shelves, etc... She told me on the phone later that she was "very es sited"! I hope to get her out to the mall when we get back home also. I still have a lot to do! I just finished putting up the Christmas tree in our home tonight. As I was setting it up, I started thinking out how this Christmas could have had a completely different ending than what we are going to have. I got sad for a short while thinking about it. But then, I was so thankful that our Christmas will be complete with our Wife and Mom her with us. When I walked around our house tonight, I really saw how beautiful the decorations were that Mary's (and mine) dear friends set up for her. Carrie, Sara, Mary and Rita, thank you so much! It is beautiful. I am in Quincy again for a few days, but will be heading back Thursday morning. Thanks to all, and please keep Mary in your prayers. I know you will.